”The President, in joining the Filipino people in expressing the solidarity of the Philippines with Singapore at this time of mourning, extends his personal condolences to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a statement.

”Prime Minister Lee has always extended every official and personal courtesy to the President in his visits to Singapore and their official interactions in the ASEAN community,” she added.

Valte said President Aquino also joined the Filipino people and the Singaporean people in mourning the passing of Lee Kuan Yew.

”As the Singaporean people mourn the passing of former PM Lee Kuan Yew, the Filipino people join them in honoring a statesman who can justifiably be called the Founding Father of the Republic of Singapore,” Valte said.

The Palace official said throughout Lee’s long life, as prime minister and senior minister, Lee demonstrated an unswerving devotion to his country, turning it into a state that would be an exemplar of efficient, modern, and honest governance.

”The development of Singapore has earned it the respect of nations and peoples, including the tens of thousands of Filipinos who work there and visit the country,” Valte said.

”An era has passed, one upon which Singaporeans can look back on with deep pride and a sense of accomplishment,” she added.

According to media reports, Lee died at the Singapore General Hospital where he was confined for severe pneumonia since Feb. 15. He was 91.